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‘The Observer’
Tekst 6
by Lawrence Donegan San Francisco
NOT SINCE Tom Wolfe called fellow author John Updike a pile of old bones has the American literary scene witnessed such a cat- fight. In one corner sits Jonathan Franzen, author of the most critically acclaimed novel of the year; in the other is the country’s most powerful talk show host Oprah Winfrey; and dividing them is the age-old argu- ment that high art and pop- ular culture are mutually ex- clusive.
It all began when Oprah chose Franzen’s The Correc- tions, a wonderful, sweeping account of a dysfunctional American family, as her book club’s selection for October.
A perk of being chosen is that the publisher is entitled to put her orange ‘Oprah’s Book Club’ logo on the front cover – a recommendation that guarantees a guest spot
on her syndicated television show, widespread exposure and sales in excess of 500,000 copies.
For most authors, such recognition is the literary equivalent of winning the lottery but for Franzen his selection brought only anguish and indecision. ‘The first weekend after I heard, I considered turning it down,’
he told one interviewer. In another interview, he sug- gested his book would be a success regardless of Oprah’s opinion of it. He spoke of the ‘sense of split’
he felt at becoming one of
‘her’ authors. ‘She’s picked some good books,’ said Franzen, ‘but she’s picked enough sentimental, one-di- mensional ones as well. I feel like I’m solidly in the high-art literary tradition. I like reading entertaining books and this maybe helps bridge the gap, but it also heightens these feelings of being misunderstood.’
Winfrey responded by withdrawing her support for The Corrections – cancelling Franzen’s appearance on her show, a literary dinner and any discussion of his book.
A statement issued by her publicist said: ‘Jonathan Franzen will not be on the show because he is seeming- ly uncomfortable and con- flicted about being chosen as a book club selection. It is never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or cause anyone conflict. We have decided to skip the dinner and we’re moving on to the next book.’
Any embarrassment will be somewhat eased by the success of The Corrections.
Propelled by stunning re- views, it reached number five on the New York Times bestsellers list. Over 600,000 copies – most bearing Oprah’s stamp of approval – have been print- ed.
Oprah’s logo is a no go for novelist
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Tekst 6 Oprah’s logo is a no go for novelist
1p 16 How does the writer introduce the conflict between Oprah Winfrey and Jonathan Franzen in the first paragraph?
A By describing its historical background in detail.
B By giving a rough outline of its nature and subject matter.
C By highlighting the relation between artists and their public.
“for Franzen his selection brought only anguish and indecision” (lines 36-38)
1p 17 Why did Jonathan Franzen have doubts about his selection?
A He believed that his book would sell better without Oprah Winfrey’s interference.
B He did not agree with any nominations made by Oprah Winfrey’s book club before.
C He feared that the quality of his book would be underrated as a result.
D He hated the idea of his book being treated as a commercial product.
1p 18 Which of the following could Jonathan Franzen have said before “I like reading entertaining books” (lines 54-56) to stress his point?
A Don’t get me wrong!
B Don’t think me old-fashioned!
C Don’t underestimate me!
1p 19 Which of the following would fit before “most bearing Oprah’s stamp of approval” (lines 86-88)?
A discouragingly,
B fortunately,
C hopefully,
D ironically,
1p 20 Geeft de schrijver van dit artikel aan wat hij zelf vindt van The Corrections, het boek van Jonathan Franzen? Zo ja, citeer de woorden waarmee hij dit doet. Zo nee, schrijf op “Nee”.
1p 21 How can this article be characterised best?
A As a critical discussion of the influence of TV on literature.
B As a personal reaction to a much-discussed news item.
C As an attempt to discredit Jonathan Franzen.
D As an indirect way of promoting Oprah Winfrey’s book club.
E As an objective report on a literary news topic.
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